Santa Cruz police arrest 3 in drug raid

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. 
Police say a month-long investigation has led to the arrest of three high-ranking Salvadoran gangsters suspected of being major drug suppliers.

On Friday, Santa Cruz police said they seized three pounds of methamphetamine and a loaded, stolen handgun in a drug sting coordinated with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office narcotics team.

Police arrested 29-year-old Jose Callehas-Alfaro, 23-year-old German Escobar and 22-year-old Pedro Escobar on suspicion of possession of meth for sale, conspiracy to commit a crime, participating in a criminal street gang and other charges.

Police Capt. Steve Clark says officers purchased meth from the three men on Wednesday for $42,000. Police say the men are suppliers of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin and that this particular shipment was destined for Fresno County.

Alfaro and Pedro Escobar are being held on $35,000 bail at the Santa Cruz County Jail. German Escobar's bail is $85,000.